Chapter 5: Birth of the Seven Deadly Daughters

We watched as seven human babies were formed in the same artificial womb, all of them female. Already, we could distinguish which baby belonged to which couple based on traits like skin complexion and other physical characteristics.My daughter was born on January 7, 2012, during a fierce snowstorm that blanketed the Netherlands. My husband and I cradled her in our arms. She was beautiful, but she had been born asleep."We noticed in her genetic code that she developed a personality extremity—pride," Head Scientist Nathan explained. "So we've designated her as Research Subject Codename: Superbia."I didn't mind the personality extremity, not when she was my beloved daughter. And besides, as royalty, pride was fitting. "What should we name her?" my husband asked."She's strong-spirited, born amidst a snowstorm. I'm certain she'll overcome whatever storms come her way in life. Her name will be Maeve: Warrior Queen of the Netherlands."At the sound of her name, Maeve opened her beautiful blue eyes. With her fair skin, white hair, and piercing blue eyes, she looked like a princess from a fantasy novel.On April 15, under a clouded gray sky with no rain or wind, just a calm day in between extremes, Ismene and her husband arrived at the laboratory to see their daughter. Tears of joy filled their eyes as they held their little girl, and she cried right along with them."She's beautiful..." Ismene whispered, cradling her close. Their daughter had light gray hair and blue eyes. "Let's name her Mandane," her husband suggested, his voice thick with emotion.Neither Ismene nor her husband noticed when the scientists mentioned that Mandane had developed the personality extremity of sloth, her codename being "Acedia."Sakina's daughter was born on June 21, during a heatwave in the Netherlands. She arrived at the laboratory with her husband, and as they looked at their newborn, Sakina gasped in awe. "She's so beautiful, oh my God!" Sakina exclaimed. Her daughter was born laughing."Her name is Haniya, since she came into this world so happy and full of joy," her husband said, tears of happiness streaming down his face. Haniya had a wheat-colored complexion, dark gray hair, and blue eyes.The scientists informed them that Haniya had developed the personality extremity of lust, her codename being "Luxuria." However, Sakina and her husband were so overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, praising and thanking God, that they didn't catch the scientists' comment.Leontien's daughter was born on August 4, a perfect summer day. She and her husband, Sander, arrived at the laboratory to meet their daughter. "She's so beautiful! She and Maeve look like twins!" Leontien exclaimed."This is better than adopting a child, isn't it?" Sander said, his voice filled with awe."Way better!" Leontien replied, smiling."What are we going to name her?" he asked."I've always wanted to name my daughter Eliza," Leontien said thoughtfully."Eliza it is, then!"The scientists quietly mentioned that Eliza had developed the personality extremity of greed, and they had given her the codename "Avaritia." But Leontien and Sander, caught up in the moment, were too focused on their newborn to take notice.Natsumi's daughter was born on September 17, one month later. She and her husband arrived at the laboratory to meet their beautiful daughter, who had fair skin, gray hair, and blue eyes. She possessed delicate Asian facial features and looked strikingly beautiful. They cradled her in their arms."Let's call her Min-Ah Sawada," her husband suggested."Your daughter was born with the personality extremity of envy," Nathan said, his tone measured. "Her codename is 'Invidia.'""Personality extremity of envy?" Natsumi's husband asked, his face full of concern. "What are the implications of that?""She will likely grow into an envious person," Nathan explained. "But we believe that with proper parenting, you can help manage this."Next, on October 10, it was Balela's turn. She and her husband arrived at the laboratory to see their daughter. Their little girl had a striking dark complexion, dark gray hair that sometimes appeared black, and radiant blue eyes. She had been born with an angry expression on her face, as though the world had already given her something to fight for."She's the most beautiful girl in existence," Balela said with pride. "Her name is Benesha, for she is a blessing upon her family.""Your daughter was born with the personality extremity of wrath, so we've given her the codename 'Ira,'" Nathan said calmly."Magnificent," Balela's husband replied, clearly pleased. The idea of his daughter growing into a strong, assertive woman filled him with pride. Balela, too, found it a positive trait.On December 2, Marysa's daughter was born. She and her husband arrived at the laboratory to meet their daughter, who had a warm wheat complexion, gray hair, and striking blue eyes. "She's the prettiest!" Marysa exclaimed, her heart swelling with joy."What should we name her?" her husband asked as he cradled their newborn in his arms."What do you think?" Marysa responded, smiling."Hmmm... How about Kayla?" he suggested."I like Kayla!" she agreed.The scientists informed them, "Your daughter was born with the personality extremity of gluttony, hence the codename 'Gula.'" But their words went unnoticed by Marysa and her husband, as they were too absorbed in the happiness of the moment.